Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
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Request approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Fulton County, Georgia and the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD), in the amount up to $30,000.00, for continued participation in the District-wide Multi-family High Efficiency (HET) Toilet Rebate Program administered by the MNGWPD and pursuant to the requirements of the MNGWPD’s Water Resource Management Plan. Effective upon execution until December 31, 2021. (APPROVED UPON ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-572 established the MNGWPD and charged it with addressing comprehensive water resource management planning from a regional perspective through policies, plans and intergovernmental coordination.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☒
District 2 ☒
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☐
District 6 ☐
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of a MOA for continued participation in the MNGWPD’s Multi-family High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program as outlined in the MNGWPD's Water Resource Management Plan. The program applies to multi-family homes (e.g. apartments, townhomes, and condominiums) built prior to 1993 and is administered by the MNGWPD similar to the single-family toilet rebate program.
On March 18, 2020, the Board of Commissioners approved the 3rd MOA with the MNGWPD (Board Item # 20-0214) allowing for Fulton County’s participation in the District-wide multi-family toilet retrofit program. Under the 2020 MOA, no rebates were issued. For 2021, the MNGWPD is pursuing alternative ways to promote participation in the program. The 2021 MOA represents the 4th year Fulton County will participate in the program.
In June 2010, Georgia adopted new standards to require more efficient plumbing fixtures with the Water Stewardship Bill. Starting in July 2012, high efficiency toilets (HETs) that use no more than 1.28 gallons of water per flush are required to be installed in residences. Additionally, the MNGWPD’s Water Supply and Water Conservation Plan requires the implementation of a strategy to distribute, install, or provide incentives to replace higher flow fixtures in multi-family properties built in or prior to 1993.
The Multi-family High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Rebate Program provides $50, $75, and $100 rebates to the owners of townhomes, condominiums, and apartment dwellings that replace existing high-water-use toilets with 1.28-gallons-per-flush (gpf) or less that are EPA WaterSense-certified. From January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, each ultra-high-efficiency toilet (UHET) using 1.1 gpf or less will have a maximum rebate face value of $100.00 per toilet. Each high-efficiency toilet (HET) using 1.28 gpf will have a maximum rebate face value of $50.00 per toilet. Beginning July 1, 2021, UHET toilets using 1.1gpf or less will have a maximum rebate face value of $75 per toilet. HET toilets using 1.28 gpf will no longer be eligible for rebates. The maximum rebate amount allowed per property is $15,000.00. The program is administered by MNGWPD and includes a post-inspection component conducted by the MNGWPD.
Community Impact: Since the start of the program, Fulton County has issued 100 rebates totaling $8,175, and has saved an estimated 2,939 gallons per day in water usage for the County. Continued participation in the Program would allow Public Works the ability to provide customers with incentives to encourage water conservation and assist in meeting the MNGWPD’s goal of 11% reduction in per capita water usage by 2030.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the continued participation in the District-wide Toilet Retrofit program for Multi-Use residences with the MNGWPD.
Project Implications: The implementation of a program to replace older, inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labeled high efficiency toilets in single-family and multi-family homes is a requirement of the MNGWPD Water Resource Management Plan. Failure to participate in the program could potentially impact Fulton County’s ability to meet the MNGWPD’s goal of 11% reduction in per capita water usage by 2030.
Community Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works is not aware of any issues/concerns raised by the community.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works does not have any issues or concerns with the agreement.